SMC-led Caticlan airport terminal model for regional growth - Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new passenger terminal building at the gateway to the world-class Boracay Island, and hailed the San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-led project as a model of public-private partnership that will drive tourism and inclusive growth in Western Visayas.

The ₱2.5-billion infrastructure project at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Aklan, operated by SMC subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., aims to significantly expand capacity and elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers heading to the island resort and Western Visayas.

“This project represents the kind of future we are building - one where the private sector, led by companies like San Miguel Corporation under Mr. Ramon Ang, works hand-in-hand with the government to bring growth and opportunity to our regions,” said Marcos.

“This is a concrete step toward decentralizing development, easing pressure on Metro Manila, and welcoming the world directly to our top destinations,” he added.

Designed for up to seven million passengers annually, the new terminal will replace the existing facility and is targeted for completion by December 2026. It will span 36,470 square meters with eight boarding bridges, upgraded baggage systems, modern check-in counters, and dedicated support systems.

Megawide Construction Corp., a longtime player in airport and infrastructure projects, will build the facility.

Marcos also acknowledged SMC’s broader role in national infrastructure, noting the conglomerate’s rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“(The) Manila airport is improving once again because of the agreement we made with San Miguel. But more importantly, we are building direct access to our regional hubs like Caticlan, so international travelers don’t have to go through Manila at all,” Marcos said.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon noted how public-private partnerships such as the Caticlan terminal can accelerate long-term, sustainable growth.

SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang was present at the ceremony, joined by Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, CAAP OIC Director General Danjun Lucas, Megawide executives, and local leaders.

“We had to do things right, even if it meant waiting a little longer, but today finally, we are breaking ground on the new passenger terminal of Caticlan,” said Ang.

Ang also highlighted the need to prepare for the expected growth in the province with the new infrastructure. He reiterated the need to also build a Caticlan-Boracay bridge that will allow better access to the island and ensure sustainability.

“With more visitors expected we will need a better and reliable system not just to manage not just access and traffic but also daily access of goods,” he added.

Ang assured that no boatman would lose livelihood, noting their importance to the entire “Boracay experience.”

“They have been part of this story from the very beginning and they will continue to be, under our proposal, we will work with them, train them and help them transition to driving hybrid vehicles that will bring visitors across this way they will keep their role in welcoming tourists, gain more stable job and help toward a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transport,” he said.